Knee-pad



Patented Dec. 8, 1896.

D D m AA m L m .Wuu 3m B 9 4. U 2 M 7 o 0 N N FUNITED STATES JOHN E. 13. LAIRl),

' PATENT O F CE.

QF ELGIN, TEXAS.

KNEE-PAD.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Iatent No. 572,642, dated December 8, 1896. Application filed April 8, 1896. Serial No. 586 ,738. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN E. B. LAIRD, of Elgin, in the county of Bastrop and State of Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Knee-Pads; and I do here by declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention,which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon,whichform part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in knee pads or cushions.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved knee pad or cushion formed to properly fit and bend with the knee and to keep its proper shape while on the limb, and one that will be adapted for all persons engaged in occupations requiring a kneeling posture on the part'of the operator.

The invention consists in certain novel features of construction and in combinations and arrangements of parts more fully and particularly described hereinafter, and pointed out in the claims.

' Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is aside elevation of a portion of a human leg with the knee pad in position thereon. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section. Figs. 8 and at are detail perspective views showing two different forms of frames for the pad. Fig. 5 is a view of a modification, showin g a somewhat differently constructed frame for carrying the pad.

Like letters of reference mark the same parts throughoutthe different views.

In the drawings, a is the pad secured on a metal frame comprising the U shaped spring clamp 12, which is arranged transversely in one end of the pad .and adapted to hold the same in a concaved or rounded position to fit on and partially around the front of the limb at the knee. The two ends of the spring-wire forming this clamp are bent approximately at right angles from the clampto form the two parallellengths b 19', secured in the two side edges of the pad and preferably extending throughout the length thereof. Each side leg or length I) has a joint therein lettered 0 within its length, usually at or about the mid dle portion of its length, to permit easy and ready bending of the pad with the knee. The joint can be a pivoted one, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, or formed by spring-coils, as shown in Fig. 4c, or links, as shown in Fig. 5.

The spring-frame carrying the pad causes the pad to properly fit and adjust itself on the limb and the bendings and movements of the limb, and also enables the pad to snugly fit variously-sized limbs.

Suitable straps and buckle connections or other fastening means, such as d 6, may be employed to fasten the pad around the knee of the operator.

Instead of the joints shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the metal frame could be provided with the central spring-coils, as shown in Fig. 4.

It is evident that various slight changes might be made in the forms, constructions, and arrangements of the parts described without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not wish to limit myself to the exact construction herein set forth, but consider myself entitled to all such changes as fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I

The device herein described is very simple in construction and composed of a minimum number of parts, and, if desired, certain soft padding might be placed on the interior of the pad, so as to permit of an easy bearing for the knee of the operator or user.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new,'and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. The herein-described knee-pad comprising the front approximately U shaped clamp, the downwardly-depending arms therefrom, the longitudinal legs, the freely-movable connections uniting said clamp and legs, the fas= .tening means attached thereto to fit a human limb, and an outer covering for the said clamp, arms, and-legs, for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination with a knee -pad, of the front approximately U-shaped clamp, the downwardly-extending arms, the longitudinal legs extending therefrom, the connection between the arms and longitudinal legs to allow them to be freely movable, the fastening means therefor, the outer covering for said clamp and legs and the interior padding for the knee, as set forth.

3. A knee-pad consisting of an approxi- I 0 ing of an approximately U -shaped clamp having downwardly-extending arms and longitudinal legs hinged to said arms, and a covering for said frame, as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signature in presence of 15 two Witnesses.

JOHN E. B. LAIRD. \Vitnesses:

JOHN G. OHILEs, RUDOLPH ROEMER. 

